Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For those who prefer a cohesive decor An integrated fridge freezer is a perfect fit for cabinets in the kitchen. In contrast to freestanding appliances they are able to be concealed away from view when not being used.
These fridge freezers are designed to make your life easier, minimising chores like defrosting and adding convenience features like adjustable shelves as well as twin vegetable and fruit bins, and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more popular than those that are freestanding. They do a fantastic job of disappearing from sight behind cabinet doors, resulting in an uncluttered and sleek appearance which is appealing in many kitchen designs. They are a great option if you want to remodel your kitchen or start from scratch. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they also offer plenty of storage space so that you can keep all your food and beverages conveniently in reach.
When you're deciding to purchase an integrated fridge freezer there are some aspects to consider. First, you must consider the appliance's capacity. Fridge and freezer storage is typically measured in litres, and it's important to determine how much you need before purchasing. You'll want to choose the model that has a large enough capacity to meet your needs, but one that won't be too large so that you don't overuse your energy or end up bursting.
You may want to consider an appliance with a bigger capacity based on the size of your family. A capacity of 350 litres is ideal for most households, providing enough space for 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers even provide fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have capacities of 420 litres, which is perfect for families with more than one child.
The quality of the appliance is also important. The cheaper models might not have the same durability as their more expensive counterparts. They can also suffer from problems with hinges, which are usually less robust and easily break. You'll want to opt for a model with reliable Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for many years to come.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that has stopped working Choose a model that is comparable in size and split type. It is important to ensure that the doors of your cabinets in your kitchen are wide enough to fit the new freezer in your fridge and that the fridge and freezer are the same height typically 178cm. If you're planning to build your kitchen from scratch, make sure your plans align with these dimensions, so you can find an integrated fridge freezer that is suitable for.
Design
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your fitted cabinets without compromising the style you've worked so hard to achieve. By combining a freezer and fridge in one unit, they're an ideal choice for those who want to maximize their space.
Depending on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers come in a variety of styles to suit different interior designs. From fully clad models that conceal the doors behind cabinets in the kitchen to panels that allow you to show your individual style, there's something to suit all.
Fully integrated fridge freezers are equipped with brackets for cabinet mounting that secure the appliance on the front of the cabinets in the kitchen, concealing it completely. This design lets you customize the fridge freezer that is integrated to ensure it is in perfect harmony with your fitted kitchen. It also reduces noise levels and improves the temperature control.
The door heights of fridge freezers that are integrated vary - you can find a'midi' height model around 130cm tall, while extra-tall models are generally around 170-180cm tall. You can also select 50:50 splits which gives you equal amounts of freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits to take advantage of larger fridge space.
Since integrated fridge freezers are built into your kitchen they're more difficult to access than freestanding refrigerators, which may mean it's more expensive to repair or maintained. However, this doesn't mean you should avoid buying a fridge freezer with integrated features if your budget is limited as you can find a wide selection of top-quality models at affordable prices.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than freestanding counterparts due the cost of making the cabinet that they are in. They also make use of more powerful motors to keep the refrigerator cool, which can result in higher energy bills. However, if you opt for a model with advanced food preservation technology it's possible that you could save money in the end by throwing away less food and lowering your energy consumption. This can result in significant savings over the lifespan of your integrated refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators are among the commonly used appliances in your home, which is why it is important to select one with a good energy rating. A high-rated fridge-freezer will use less energy than one that is less rated and over time, this will reduce your energy costs. To check the energy ratings on a fridge-freezer look for the label 'Energy' You can usually find this on the back of the appliance or in the user's manual. Move your phone over the label to read the energy consumption and efficiency rating, and click through to see full data on the manufacturer's website.
fridge for sale of energy your fridge-freezer consumes will also be influenced by how much you store in it. The larger models with more capacity will naturally require more energy to cool than smaller models even if they're sporting an A++ rating. If you're replacing an older model, think carefully about how much capacity you need and check the internal configuration - whether there are flexible shelves and door storage and if they can accommodate larger items like milk bottles.
A fridge freezer that is not frost-free is a different option to think about. Frost-free refrigerator freezers utilize an element of heating to stop the formation of ice within the freezer. This will save you the hassle of having to defrost your fridge each and every now and then. Some models do not have this feature. If you need to defrost your fridge, bear this in your mind.
Aside from the energy efficiency, you should consider taking a look at how easy your fridge is to keep tidy and clean. Most integrated fridge-freezers have shelves and drawers made of glass that are easy to clean. Certain models also come with LED lighting which is a nice benefit.
Typically, integrated refrigerator freezers are more costly than their freestanding counterparts. This is because you need to purchase the fridge's housing cabinet as well as kitchen cabinet doors, plus there's the expense of installing. It's also important to note that integrated fridge freezers are more prone to problems than freestanding ones. The reason is that installers may not properly install the cabinets or may leave out vital ventilation. This could result in hot air entering and causing them overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated into the kitchen cabinetry is an ideal solution for those who want to create a contemporary and sleek look for their kitchen. These models are fitted behind the cupboard doors and hide from view, which is popular with those who want to create an elegant look. Choosing an integrated model also means you'll have the convenience of having a refrigerator and a freezer in one appliance which makes it easier to store and organize your food items.
It is more difficult to service an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding freezer, since it is integrated into the furniture. The majority of kitchen engineers find it difficult to take the door of the cabinet from its hinges to gain access to the appliance. It's important to keep in mind that you might require your refrigerator freezer repaired or serviced in the future or in the event that you plan to sell your home and relocate.
It is important to buy an identical appliance in the event of replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer, so that the doors of your cabinet still fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are a standard size and will fit inside 60cm wide by 60cm deep housing cabinet, so any doors that are already in your existing cupboards should be compatible with these appliances. Examine the hinge on your fridge freezer, whether it's a sliding or fixed hinge. This will determine the ease to get access to the cupboard doors.
The latest advancements in integrated fridge freezers have improved their performance and appearance. The top models are designed for ease of use in the kitchen by simplifying daily chores. This includes minimising defrosting - or, like in the case of Blomberg, completely eliminating it - and keeping food fresher longer with clever features like HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. You can expect flexible storage options complete with adjustable shelves and handy extras such as wine racks too.